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Open Enrollment Period checklist

Things to do before you choose an individual or family health plan.

Page last updated on: 4/27/26

Open Enrollment is the annual period from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 when individuals and families can enroll in or change ACA‑compliant health insurance. During this time, you can compare plans, check eligibility for savings and secure coverage for the coming year.

Start here

When your priority is getting coverage, our priority is having you covered.

Your OEP checklist

  1. Note any life changes (job, marriage, baby, move)
  2. List your health care needs (meds, visits, ongoing conditions)
  3. Compare plan options (premium vs. costs when you get care)
  4. Check for monthly savings (premium tax credits + cost‑sharing reductions)
  5. Review extra benefits & perks (programs, discounts, more)
  6. Add key dates to your calendar so you don’t miss the window

1. Consider career or relationship changes

Big life moments can change what plan fits best – or whether you qualify for additional savings.

Examples include getting married, having a baby or changes in job-based coverage.

Not in Open Enrollment? You may still qualify.

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) may allow you to enroll or change coverage outside OEP if you have a qualifying life event.

Learn more about Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and common qualifying life events.

2. Review your family's health care needs

The right plan depends on how you expect to use care this year – ongoing needs, “just in case” coverage or something in between.

Quick prompts to help you decide:

  • Which doctors, clinics or specialists do you want to keep seeing?
  • What prescriptions do you take regularly?
  • Do you expect planned care (pregnancy, surgery, ongoing treatment)?
  • Are you managing a long‑term condition that may need regular care?

If you anticipate ongoing care, look closely at coverage for chronic or long‑term conditions when comparing plans.

3. Look at different health plan options (Bronze, Silver, Gold)

Each plan balances the monthly premium and what you pay when you get care.

A simple way to think about metal levels

  • Gold: Higher monthly premium, lower costs when you receive care. It may fit if you expect to use a lot of care.
  • Bronze: Lower monthly premium, higher costs when you receive care. It may fit if you expect minimal care.
  • Silver: Middle ground on premium and costs. It may unlock extra savings for eligible shoppers.

Tip: The lowest premium isn’t always the best value. Review deductibles, copays/coinsurance and any added benefits, too.

Explore: Marketplace metal levels and health insurance terms you should know.

4. Check your eligibility for monthly savings

Many people qualify for financial help that can lower the cost of coverage.

There are two common ways savings can work: lowering your monthly premium and/or lowering costs when you get care.

Lower your monthly premium

Premium Tax Credits (PTCs)

Premium tax credits can lower what you pay each month for health insurance. If you qualify, most people choose to use this savings right away to reduce their monthly bill.

PTCs are available to many individuals and families based on income and household size.

Pay less when you get care

Cost‑Sharing Reductions (CSRs)

Cost‑sharing reductions help lower out‑of‑pocket costs like deductibles, copays and coinsurance. These savings are available to eligible households that enroll in a Silver health plan.

CSRs can make a big difference in what you pay when you see a doctor, fill prescriptions or need care.

When you get a free MyPriority® quote, we'll check if you qualify for these monthly savings. 

Learn more about financial assistance and how savings work.

5. Look for additional plan benefits and perks

Some plans include extra benefits at no added cost, so don’t forget to compare what you get beyond the basics.

One benefit to look for is chronic condition management, which may include products, services and prescriptions designed to help you manage a condition.

Also look for perks like discounts, gym memberships and travel assistance if available with the plan.

Explore: MyPriority plan benefits.

6. Put important dates on your calendar

Open Enrollment includes a few key deadlines.

  • Nov. 1: Open Enrollment begins for health coverage for the following year (first day to enroll, re-enroll or change plans).
  • Dec. 15: Last day to enroll for coverage beginning Jan. 1 (Open Enrollment ends).
  • After Dec. 15: You can only enroll or change your health coverage if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Find your perfect plan with our quiz guide

Not sure where to start? Take our plan quiz to discover which MyPriority plan may be right for you, plus tips for comparing plans and enrolling. 

Prefer help from a person? You can call an enrollment specialist toll-free at 844.590.0836 (TYY 711).

Take the quiz

Learn more

New to ACA health insurance? Start with the basics before choosing a plan.

Learn the ACA basics